Question 1

How many public officials, in total, do Americans elect?

Accepted Answer

There are over 500,000 elected public officials in the United States.

Question 2

On how many occasions did Americans inaugurate presidential candidates who got fewer popular votes than their opponents?

Accepted Answer

There have been five occasions in U.S. history where the presidential candidate who won the Electoral College did not win the popular vote: 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000, and 2016.

Question 3

How long are the Supreme Court justices' terms?

Accepted Answer

Supreme Court justices are appointed for life.

Question 4

The Supreme Court in 1857 ruled that black people were

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court in the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision of 1857 ruled that black people were considered inferior and had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.

Question 5

In a republic, who is in charge?

Accepted Answer

In a republic, the people hold the ultimate power as they elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Question 6

Early America did not live up to the ideal expressed in the first three words of the Constitution, "We the People." Which of the following groups were actually included in government?

Accepted Answer

In early America, only white men, particularly those who owned property, were included in government and had the right to vote. Slaves, women, and American Indians were excluded from political participation.

Question 7

What percentage of House Members win reelection?

Accepted Answer

Historically, incumbents in the U.S. House of Representatives have a high reelection rate, often around 95%, due to factors like name recognition, fundraising advantages, and established voter bases.

Question 8

What does the term military-industrial complex mean?

Accepted Answer

The term "military-industrial complex" refers to the relationship and network of influence between defense contractors, military leaders, and government officials, as warned by President Eisenhower in his farewell address.

Question 9

The idea that those who carry out day-to-day operations of government are in control is known as

Accepted Answer

Bureaucratic theory suggests that the individuals who manage the daily operations and administration of government hold significant power and control over decision-making processes.

Question 10

The major difference between political theories is

Accepted Answer

The answer of The major difference between political theories is
...

Question 11

Benjamin Franklin believed Americans must be _______ to maintain their republic.

Accepted Answer

Benjamin Franklin believed that for a republic to be maintained, its citizens must be vigilant and active in their participation and oversight of government.

Question 12

What is suggested by pluralist theory?

Accepted Answer

Pluralist theory suggests that people can influence government through organized interest groups, which compete to have their voices heard and interests represented in policy-making.

Question 13

Where does pluralist theory say that influence is displayed in government?

Accepted Answer

Pluralist theory posits that influence in government is displayed through interest groups, which compete and negotiate to shape public policy.

Question 14

According to pluralist theory, where is political power located?

Accepted Answer

Pluralist theory posits that political power is distributed among a wide array of diverse and competing interest groups, allowing for a balance of power and influence in the political process.

Question 15

Where does elite theory place the location of political power?

Accepted Answer

Elite theory suggests that political power is concentrated in the hands of a small, wealthy elite, typically found in government, corporations, and the military.

Question 16

What is the source of influence according to those who support elite theory?

Accepted Answer

Elite theory suggests that a small group of people with economic influence and leadership positions hold power and make decisions in society.

Question 17

Those who support social movement theory believe that the location of political power is

Accepted Answer

Social movement theory posits that political power is often located in popular uprisings and movements, as these are driven by the collective action of people advocating for change.

Question 18

According to social movement theory, government is influenced by

Accepted Answer

Government is influenced by the strength of persuasion, as social movement theory suggests that movements can influence government policy by persuading policymakers to adopt their views.

Question 19

Which of the following movements was an example of social movement theory?

Accepted Answer

All of the movements listed are examples of social movement theory, which is the study of how social movements emerge, develop, and achieve their goals.

Question 20

What theory holds that all political outcomes-elections, the passage of a law, even mass rallies-are the aggregate of the public's individual interests?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What theory holds that all political outcomes-elections,...

Quiz 1: The Spirit of American Politics